breadcrumbs by Mark Micchelli

Breadcrumbs (2019, rev. 2020) is my first foray into composing for prepared piano. The resonating cavity of the piano becomes a path to trace your way home, inspired by Hansel and Gretel. However, as the sound accumulates within the belly of the piano, the return becomes impossible.

This composition has taken on a new resonance for me after the long year of COVID wherein many of us were faced with extended periods of isolation, cut off from the world. Within my own apartment, despite its familiarity, I keep looking for the breadcrumbs I laid last March, and I continue to be surprised by their displacement.

"breadcrumbs" was premiered and recorded live on April 18th in Bellefield Hall Auditorium, at the University of Pittsburgh.

the piano is prepared with blu-tack, coins, speaker wire, and a melodica.

Tracklist